Would you like to help combat outbreaks of animal diseases such as avian influenza, which is currently affecting both wild birds and poultry? Do you have experience with virological and immunological techniques, and would you like to contribute to research on avian influenza and Newcastle disease? Then read on and apply soon!
The One Health Virology department at Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) in Lelystad has an opening for a researcher in Avian Influenza.
As the national reference laboratory for Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease, WBVR is responsible for testing animals suspected of having these highly contagious viral diseases. This winter, the Netherlands was once again hit by a major outbreak of avian influenza among wild birds and poultry, and this problem is expected to persist in the coming years. Because avian influenza is one of the most variable and rapidly evolving viruses, we are constantly working to keep our diagnostic tests up to date - and that’s where we need your expertise!
Your Responsibilities
A key part of your role involves establishing, modifying, validating, and accrediting diagnostic tests (particularly PCR, sequencing, ELISA, and VNT). In addition, you will be involved - especially during the critical period of an outbreak - in the further characterization of detected viruses (PCR, whole-genome sequencing) and database management. If the situation requires it, you will also contribute to the rapid development of new diagnostic tests.
During periods outside of outbreaks, you will contribute to research projects focused on understanding and combating avian influenza and Newcastle Disease virus.
You are also willing to participate in the team responsible for on-call duties. This involves being on standby for a few weeks each year in the evenings and on weekends to type outbreak viruses.
Duties and Responsibilities:
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performing, establishing, validating, and accrediting diagnostic tests for avian influenza and Newcastle Disease viruses;
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contributing ideas for improving diagnostics and developing new techniques;
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conducting research projects;
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performing work in the BSL-3 laboratory.
You will be working alongside your colleagues in the One Health Virology department at Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) in Lelystad.
Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR) is a leading research institute in the field of animal health, and public health. Its unique selling point lies in its interdisciplinary approach to research and its focus on innovative solutions for complex problems in these fields.
WBVR has a unique position in the Netherlands, as it is the only research institute that is allowed to work with the most animal viruses and bacteria up to level vBSL4 (vDM4), such as foot-and-mouth disease and African swine fever in laboratories and animal facilities, were large livestock animals (o.a. cattle) and smaller rodents can be housed. Also, facilities are in place to do research and animal experiments for BLS3 pathogens such as avian influenza and Coxiella. Different experts on specific pathogens, host responses, bioinformatics, pathology, epidemiology and diagnostics allows WBVR to work on the mission and vision of WBVR.
WBVR contributes to a society where animals and humans live a healthy life by scientific research to prevent the spread of animal diseases and promote health.
WBVR adds value to the agricultural and life sciences value chains by conducting contract research, R&D, and statutory research tasks. We serve the interests of the Dutch agro-food sector, (veterinary) public health, and the life sciences & health sectors. As contract-research organization we focus on market needs in the animal and human life sciences sectors.
WBVR has 3 focus points, healthy livestock, one health and high tech animal models (including the 3R’s).
You have:
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a bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, such as Biology or Medical Laboratory Science (HLO program);
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knowledge of virological and immunological techniques and sequencing;
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experience with validation and accreditation processes for diagnostic tests;
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an affinity for laboratory diagnostics and quality assurance (ISO 17025);
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you work accurately and can organize your work effectively;
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you value good teamwork;
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you have a good command of the Dutch language, both spoken and written.
The work will largely take place in buildings subject to an additional quarantine restriction after leaving (based on EU regulations). This means that it is not permitted to keep cloven-hoofed animals. Additionally, for 72 hours after the work, you are not permitted to have contact with these animals or visit poultry production facilities.
You can see that there are plenty of challenges ahead of you. These challenges can also be viewed as opportunities for growth. So, even if you do not yet have the track record specified in the job posting but do have solid work experience, we would still like to invite you to apply.
WUR welcomes applications from international candidates. However, for applicants for this specific position from outside the EU/EFTA zone, immigration restrictions may apply based on Dutch and EU immigration laws. Such candidates may be eligible for an “orientation year” in the Netherlands or a visa as a “knowledge migrant”.
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
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working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
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sabbatical leave, study leave, and partially paid parental leave;
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a fixed year-end bonus of 8,3%;
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excellent pension scheme.
In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will of course receive a good salary. We offer, depending on your experience, a competitive gross salary of between € 2,979.- and € 4,374.- for a full-time working week of 36 hours, in accordance with the CLA Wageningen Research (scale 7 or 8). As for your contract, we initially offer a one-year contract that can be extended - if possible within (company) organizational circumstances - on good performance.
The work location is Houtribweg 39, Lelystad, the Netherlands.
The work takes place in buildings with quarantine regulations. As a consequence, contact with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) sensitive animals and poultry production companies is not allowed for three days after work.
We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.
Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family. If you come with a partner, we offer a Dual Career group program organized by our Welcome Center. This program helps your partner to get familiar with the Dutch culture, labour market and assists your partner to find a job.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Communitypage contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.
For information regarding this job you can contact Dr. Riks Maas, head of Department of One Health Virology, telephone number: +31 320 238891 or via email: [email protected].
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Ine van’t Land, Corporate Recruiter, via email: [email protected].
Ready to apply?
Click on the application button next to the vacancy on our website. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.
You can apply up to and including Monday June 22, 2026. Internal candidates are preferred to apply before Friday May 28, 2026.
We review applications on a rolling basis, including before the closing date. As a result, the vacancy may close earlier than indicated.
Procedure
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A pre-employment screening is part of the selection procedure.
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Upon employment, we require a Certificate of Conduct.
Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.
The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.
Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!
We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.
